How Do Genes Affect Addiction?

• Grade level: 6-8 (also contains adapted lessons for 4-6^th grade reading level)
• Includes lesson plan with student article, worksheet, and tiered vocabulary list (also has adapted lesson for 4^th – 6^th grade reading level)
• Teaches about the risk factors for addiction, including genetics; and, choices students can make to reduce their risk
• Duration: 1 class period
• Standards aligned with: Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and National Science Education Standards
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) & Scholastic

Recovery from Drug Addiction

• Grade level: 6-8
• Includes lesson plan with student article, worksheet, class discussion questions, vocabulary lists, and writing prompts
• Teaches about addiction as a disease of the brain and recovery; discusses why on person may become addicted and another may not; and, includes chart of protective factors and risk factors
• Duration: 1 class period
• Standards aligned with: Common Core State Standards, National Science Education Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and National Council for the Social Studies
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) & Scholastic

Project ALERT (Adolescent Learning Experiences Resistance Training) Curriculum

• Includes free evidence-based program with pre- and post-test, 14 lesson plans, 12 projectable classroom posters, 8 short videos, supplemental resources, and teen leaders program that is available online free of charge and
• Teaches about drug use and pro-drug mindset of today’s teens
• Duration: 6-7+ class periods
• Standards aligned with: National Health Education Standards
• Source(s): RAND Corporation

*Also available in Spanish

NEW! NIDA Scientist Virtual Q&A Videos

• Grade level: 6-8
• Includes 4 videos with transcripts and teacher’s guide with discussion questions for each video
• NIDA scientists answer teens’ top questions about drug use and addiction:
  • What is the worst drug?
  • Can using drugs help me deal with anxiety and depression?
  • What happens when drugs are combined?
  • What is addiction?
• Duration: Videos are 1.5-2.5 minutes plus discussion and/or writing exercises
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

NEW! Mind Matters Series

• Grade level: 6-8
• Includes 9 student booklets (8 on different substances and 1 on drugs and the brain) and a Teacher’s Guide with suggested classroom activities
• Student booklets are available online (with videos) or for download
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

*Also available in Spanish

National Drug & Alcohol IQ Challenge

• 11 question Kahoot quiz about drugs and drug use
• Students can play as a guest or sign up to create an account
• Source(s): National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)